Caramelized French Toast

The effects of Tropical Storm Debby are still in full effect here in Southwest Florida, so another perfect opportunity to have a lazy morning with some comfort food.  This morning is caramelized french toast.  While definitely not in the realm of Atkins friendly, it is mighty delicious, and we splurged this morning!

Ingredients-

6 slices of bread (whichever you have in your pantry, the more stale the better)

4 eggs

2 tablespoons half-n-half

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (plus 1 teaspoon for cinnamon sugar mixture)

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter (plus more for serving)

Maple Syrup to taste

Whisk together eggs, half-n-half, vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until frothy.  Meanwhile, heat butter on medium-high heat.  Add bread slices to egg mixture and soak until pan is heated.  Before adding bread to pan, dredge in cinnamon sugar mixture (this will cause caramelization when cooked), and then add in heated pan with bubbling butter.  Cook on each side for a few minutes, or until bread starts to brown and form a crust from the sugar mixture.  Serve with extra butter and maple syrup, or whatever your heart desires!

Bread soaking in egg mixture

Cinnamon sugar, ready for dredging

The cinnamon sugar creates almost a creme brulee-flavor of crust